Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check your water heater settings.
- Verify the plant is getting full sun all day.
- Inspect the crown for any signs of rot.
Likely causes
Low Water Temperature
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant grows leaves but never develops flower buds.
What to do: Install a pond heater to keep the water temperature between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Consistent warmth is the primary trigger for blooming.
Lack of Energy
PossibleHow to tell: The plant appears small or stunted for its age.
What to do: Apply a phosphorus rich aquatic fertilizer to encourage bud development. Follow the package instructions for the size of your container.
Find out what's wrong with your giant waterlily
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is normal for young plants to take a full season to establish before blooming. Worry if the plant is mature and has had ideal heat for months without a bud.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the water warm and provide heavy feeding throughout the summer months.
Giant Waterlily: not flowering? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your giant waterlily and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- How long do the flowers last?
- Each flower typically lasts for only two nights, opening white the first night and turning pink by the second.
- Does the size of the pond matter?
- Yes, these plants need a very large space to reach the maturity required to flower.
More problems with Giant Waterlily
Back to the Giant Waterlily guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.